Summary: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder In Veterans

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom: Comparing Treatment Options Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (or PTSD) is far too common these days in our military veterans. Whether a diagnosis is made or not, America’s Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans are wandering around, some jobless, some homeless, and some just lost and attempting to find their place in society. This can lead to self-depreciating behavior involving drugs and alcohol, a failure to thrive in our communities, or in some cases suicide. These veterans have been referred to as the “walking wounded” or have been said to suffer from “hidden wounds”.
There is a debate as to whether PTSD has been around for centuries or the new generation
Animals have been an integral part in helping manage PTSD in veterans who exhibit symptoms. Most popular would be in the form of service dogs but horses and other animals, such as dolphins, have also been used with success. Animal assisted therapy encourages socialization, comforts the veteran in times of stress – which disrupts emotional inaccessibility – supports integration, and decreases hyper-arousal and hyper-vigilance. It is encouraged that returning veterans, especially those with PTSD help train service animals. The theory behind Animal Assisted Therapy is based on the emotional connection formed with the animal. This bond can possibly transcend into forming bonds with family members and friends since this is a trouble area for a veteran with PTSD. By training the animals themselves, they can gain feelings of self-worth and community in being able to help another veteran with a service
This misconception that combat veterans pose a threat to others is just another reason for isolation which leads to new problems and creates ongoing stressors. OIF and OEF veterans are coming home to a non-existent job market, families and friends who have changed while they were away and an uncertain future, all while dealing with the stressors of reintegration. In order to improve the quality of life for returning veterans, more experimentation with aforementioned therapies needs to be done, quicker diagnosis need to be made through better post deployment screenings and more medical professionals need to be trained and available to meet the needs of the rising number of veterans requiring